Boxing returns to White Sox park

Unless you stalk me on my rare appearances on SB Nation sister site Bad Left Hook, you probably don't know that I like watching guys beat the crap out of one another, since boxing isn't a frequent topic in the RRRR. Boxing certainly doesn't have the profile it once did in the United States, particularly in Chicago. While there are regular fights at the UIC Pavilion and out at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, they're usually of a rather low-level of quality.

But, given that there is a sizeable ethnic population in Chicago, Polish and Mexican fighters in particular often draw well. And, for the first time in more than 50 years, the White Sox ballpark will be hosting a night of boxing on Friday August 16.

While the card isn't anywhere near set (boxing cards usually aren't until shortly before the fight date), local promoters 8 Count Productions and Round 3 Productions reportedly have secured a local favorite in Polish fighter Andrzej "The Polish Prince" Fonfara to (apparently) fight in the main event.

Fonfara currently holds one of the lesser light heavyweight belts, which he will presumably defend. And while nothing is confirmed yet, 8 Count has a good relationship with ESPN and the timing of the card suggests that it will be televised on ESPN's Friday Night Fights.

Depending upon fan interest, they say they could configure seating for as many as 12,000 fans (though expect much less). The ring would be situated between home plate and the stands.

The last fight at the White Sox’ stadium was on Sept. 25, 1962, when Sonny Liston knocked out Floyd Patterson in the first round to win the world heavyweight title at old Comiskey Park. This card won't be anywhere near the quality of that but it should be an interesting and novel event even for casual fans.